This week, Gov. Scott Walker proposed cutting the University of Wisconsin System budget by 13 percent, or $300 million, over the next two years.

The cuts would come in exchange for more control over things like payroll, tuition and building construction. The cuts would also come in conjuction with another two-year tuition freeze. UW chancellors across the state said the plan could lead to layoffs or a decrease in the quality of education at UW colleges.

A University of Wisconsin-Madison professor had strong words for Gov. Scott Walker over his comments that the UW System staff should be more productive.

Walker’s proposed budget calls for $300 million in cuts over two years to the UW System. It would also grant the system the flexibility to make decisions without being supervised by taxpayers.

“Maybe it’s time for faculty and staff to start thinking about teaching more classes and doing more work,” Walker told WTMJ Radio host Charlie Sykes on Wednesday. “This authority frees up the UW administration to make those sorts of requests, which, I think are needed...